The Archaeological Complex of Garni and the ‘Basalt Organ’ Columnar Joint

The Archaeological Complex of Garni is situated in the village of Garni, within the Kotayk Province of the Republic of Armenia. It occupies a triangular plateau that ascends 1390 meters above sea level, positioned at the southern extremity of Garni village and overlooking the Azat River canyon. The complex is encircled on its southern, southeastern, and western sides by basalt canyons. On the remaining sides, fortress towers and extensive walls rise, forming a formidable barrier that underscores the site's historical and strategic significance. The complex covers an area of ​​10.5 hectares. Approximately 900 meters southeast of the complex, within the Azat River canyon, on the river's right bank, lies the columnar joint 'Basalt Organ.' The proximity of this natural marvel, combined with its unique geological features, enhances the significance of the archaeological site and provides additional context to the area's geological and historical landscape.

Garni is among the oldest settlements in the Armenian Highlands, boasting a rich cultural legacy dating back to prehistoric times. Archaeological findings, including remnants of Bronze Age fortresses, settlements and necropoli, attest to the early human presence in the area. According to Movses Khorenatsi, a 5th-century Armenian historian, the settlement's founding is attributed to Gegham, a descendant of the Armenian ancestor Hayk (Hayk Nahapet), who named it after his grandson Garnik. Khorenatsi's narrative elucidates the etymology and foundational myth of Garni.

During the 7th century BC, Garni was integrated into the Kingdom of Urartu (Biainili). King Argishti I's cuneiform inscription delineates the conquest and annexation of "Garniani" land into his realm. Following the decline of Urartu, Garni became part of the Haykazun Yervandid Kingdom (The Orontid Kingdom) until the late 3rd century BC. Subsequent historical records from the 5th century place Garni within the Vostan province of Ayrarat region of Greater Armenia, later included into the Mazaz province, underscoring its political significance within the Armenian Kingdom.

Throughout the Artaxiad and Arsacid dynasties (2nd century BC - 5th century AD), Garni served as a military outpost and royal residence. Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus, referencing Garni as "Gornea," accentuates its strategic importance. Despite its destruction by Roman forces in the 1st century AD, Garni was restored under Armenian King Tiridates I, who erected a temple in 77 AD, as corroborated by a Greek inscription discovered in 1945.

The text of the inscription states:

Ἥλιος Τιριδάτης [ὁ μέγας
μεγάλης Ἀρμενίας ἀνα[χθείσης τῆς πόλε]-
ως δεσπότης αἴκτισεν αἱ [αὐτοῦ ἀδελφῇ]
βασιλίσ<σ>ᾳ τὸν ἀνίκητον κάσ[τελλον τοῦτον]
αἴτους {ἔτους}∙ αιʹ ∙ τῆς βασιλεί[ας ἐπὶ φυλακῇ]
Μεννέας ὑπὸ ἐξουσίας τειαρι[φόρου κυρίου ?]
λι<θ>ουργὸς τῷ μεγάλῳ σε[μνῷ θεῷ ․․․]
[— — —] ᾧ καὶ εὐχαριστ[εῖ]
μετὰ μα<θ>ητοῦ Μαρτυρίου.

Helios Tiridates the Great of
Greater Armenia, having as its lord subdued
this city, founded for his sister,
the queen, this impregnable fortress,
to safeguard his kingdom, in his eleventh regnal year.

Obeying his tiara-wearing lord, Menneas
the stone-cutter made this for the great, venerable god,
whom he also thanks with his disciple, Martyrius.

The temple of Garni epitomizes Hellenistic architecture, characterized by its peripteral design atop a raised podium encircled by 24 Ionic columns carved from basalt. Employing the dry masonry technique, augmented by metal rivets and clay infill, demonstrates advanced construction methodologies of its era. The temple's embellishments feature intricate plant-geometric motifs, while its pitched roof is adorned with basalt tiles. Notably, the temple venerates Mithra (in Armenian: Միհր = Mihr), the sun god, as elucidated by historian Kamilla Trever.

Complementing the temple, the Garni complex encompasses a royal bathhouse and ancillary palace structures, distinguished for their architectural and artistic merit. The bathhouse floor showcases a well-preserved mosaic illustrating episodes from Greek mythology, including depictions of Oceanus and Thalassa amidst ichthyocentaurs and nymphs, alongside Greek inscriptions. Central to the mosaic are busts of Oceanus and Thalassa, accompanied by the inscription ΜΗΔΕΝ ΛΑΒΟΝΤΕΣ ΗΡΓΑΣΑΜΕΘΑ, subject to diverse interpretations but commonly associated with the mythological narrative.

Garni also functioned as a repository for royal treasures during the Arsacid period, persisting beyond Armenia's Christianization in 301 CE, likely due to its status as a regal precinct.

In the 7th century, the construction of the Church of Holy Zion in Garni, along with the placement of khachkars and tombstones throughout the medieval period, solidified its enduring religious significance. Enduring ravages during Arab incursions in the 7th century, Garni and its environs were subsequently rehabilitated under King Ashot II Bagratuni in the 10th century. Inscriptions attest to the dominion of the Bagratid and Zakarid dynasties over the site, with historical accounts by Faustus of Byzantium detailing the initiative of King Khosrov III Kotak to establish a forest proximate to Garni for fortification purposes.

Further calamity befell Garni during incursions by Tamerlane in 1386 and Ottoman forces in 1638. The devastating earthquake of 1679 precipitated the temple's collapse, documented by European travelers such as Robert Kerr Porter, Frédéric Dubois de Montpéreux, and James Justinian Morier in the early 19th century. This earthquake was caused by the Garni Fault, a significant tectonic feature running approximately 205 kilometers across the region. Identified as active by geologists in the 1990s, the Garni Fault exhibits right-lateral strike-slip motion and a horizontal slip-rate ranging from 0.6 mm/year to 3.0 mm/year. The fault’s central segments, notably overlapping near Garni village, have been the epicenter of several significant seismic events. The 1679 earthquake, linked to this fault, not only severely damaged the Garni Temple but also triggered landslides and led to the collapse of numerous structures in the vicinity. Paleoseismological studies further reveal that seismic activity along the fault has shaped the region for millennia, with evidence of ancient earthquakes dating back to prehistoric times.

The temple was restored by the prominent architect Alexander Sahinyan, who meticulously adhered to scientific standards and ensured that the restoration was based on thorough research and international experience. Initiated in 1969, the restoration culminated in the temple's complete refurbishment by 1975, faithfully preserving its historical and cultural integrity.

Presently, Garni stands as one of premier tourist destinations in Armenia, renowned for its profound historical significance and scenery. In addition to the Archaeological Complex of Garni, the village boasts a wealth of historical and cultural treasures, including prehistoric fortresses, settlements, and necropoli, the Classical-era necropolis notable for its intriguing jar burials, and an array of medieval landmarks. These include churches such as Mashtots Hayrapet, St. Astvatsatsin, and Khumarazham, alongside chapels, numerous khachkars, tombstones, and a medieval bridge, all of which underscore the region's rich and diverse heritage.

Archaeological Investigations

In the archaeological complex of Garni excavations initiated in 1907-1908, led by Khachik Vardapet Dadyan, and expanded by Nikolai Marr and Jacob Smirnov in 1909. These works laid the groundwork for systematic archaeological study during the Soviet period. Undertaken by the researchers of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Academy of Sciences of Armenia (Babken Araqelyan, Grigor Karakhanyan, Zhores Khachatryan, Emma Khanzadyan, Hamlet Petrosyan, Armine Gabrielyan and others), excavations unearthed a wealth of archaeological and architectural artifacts, enriching comprehension of ancient Armenian culture and history. Noteworthy discoveries encompass the formidable fortress defense system, the hellenistic temple, the mosaic bath, the palace complex, the necropoli, as well as inscriptions in cuneiform, Armenian, Aramaic, and Greek. The extensive collection of marble and limestone artifacts, predominantly retrieved during 1940s excavations, is curated within the History Museum of Armenia. Most of the fragments are derived from the monumental pillared sarcophagi originating from late antiquity and the early Middle Ages. Additionally, this collection boasts substantial architectural components crafted from local limestone. The majority of these fragments are associated with the Asia Minor columnar sarcophagi of the "Sidamara" type, dating back to the first half of the 3rd century and the outset of the 4th century. A relatively recent discovery includes a striking bull's head sculpted from white marble, unearthed accidentally in 2011 by local residents on the slopes of Azat River canyon. Presently, it is curated within the holdings of the Service For The Protection Of Historical Environment and Cultural Museum-reservations.

‘Basalt Organ’ Columnar Joint

The ‘Basalt Organ’, a striking example of columnar jointing, lies about 900 meters southeast of the Garni archaeological complex, nestled within the Azat River canyon. Nearby, the geological natural monument known as the ‘Unnamed Cave in Columnar Basalts’ complements the site, forming a geomorphological extension of the "Basalt Organ. The region lies in the southwestern part of the Gegham volcanic upland, which is known for its dense concentration of post-collision Quaternary monogenetic volcanism in central Armenia. This upland is bounded to the north and west by the Hrazdan River valley, adjacent to the foothills of the east - west Vardenis upland in the south, and gradually decreases in elevation toward the southwest, merging with the Ararat Valley around Yerevan. Mount Azhdahak, the highest peak in the Gegham upland and the third highest in Armenia, reaches an elevation of 3597 meters.

The study of Armenian volcanism dates back to the 19th century, with significant contributions from eminent geologists such as Herman Abich, Leonid Spendiarov, Hovhaness Karapetyan and Tigran Jrbashyan, among others. Subsequent research, particularly after the establishment of the Institute of Geological Sciences in 1935, involved the investigation of various aspects of Armenian volcanism by numerous geologists and volcanologists, including Konstantin Karapetyan, Konstantin Shirinyan, and Sergey Karapetyan. More recent collaborations with international colleagues, have focused on the geochemistry and geochronology of volcanism within the Gegham upland, led by Ruben Jrbazhyan, Khachatur Meliksetian, Gevorg Navasardyan, and Edmond Grigoryan.

A distinguishing feature of the Gegham volcanic upland is the presence of extensive valley-filling lava flows in the Hrazdan and Azat rivers. The Garni columnar joint lava flow, situated in the Azat River canyon, is particularly notable for its thickness and scale, spanning approximately 30 kilometers in length with an average thickness of 60 meters, covering an area of 40 square kilometers. The columnar joints, extending several kilometers along the canyon, exhibit diverse shapes and appearances, earning the site the epithet ‘Basalt Organ’ in Armenia. The formation of hexagonal prisms within the canyon is attributed to the slow cooling and cracking of the lava flow, resulting in the characteristic columnar separations. The composition of the Garni columnar lava flow is identified as basaltic-trachyandesite.

The age of the Garni lava flows, determined to be approximately 127 thousand years based on 40Ar/39Ar dating, provides insight into the erosion rates within the Azat River canyon. The rapid river incision, estimated at 60 meters over the course of 127 thousand years, yields an erosion rate of approximately 0.47 meters per thousand years. The young age, substantial exposure, and distinct geological features of the Garni lava flow underscore its international significance as a unique geological site.

Botanical Wonders of the Azat River Basin

The Azat River basin stands as a testament to the remarkable biodiversity fostered by the complex geological structure, rugged relief, and vertical zonation of the region. This ecological richness is further enriched by the convergence of two distinct floristic states: the mesophilic Caucasian and the drier Armeno-Iranian, shaping a diverse tapestry of plant life. Between 2008 and 2023, extensive studies conducted by esteemed researchers at the Institute of Botany of the National Academy of Sciences, including Sofia Tamamshyan, Armen Takhtajyan, Yasha Mulkijanyan, Eleonora Gabrielian, Merine Sargsyan, among others, meticulously cataloged the flora of the Azat River basin.

In this botanical haven, vegetation types vary from gypsoid deserts to juniper forests, with intrazonal diversity including petrophilic species and wetland vegetation along the riverbanks. The research identified an impressive 1075 vascular plant species, representing 482 genera and 97 families, constituting approximately one-third of Armenia's flora. Chorological analysis revealed the heterogeneous origins of this flora, showcasing a diversity of life forms including herbs, shrubs, and trees, with notable representation from spore plants like mosses, lichens, and fungi. Among these, 53 species are listed in the Red Book of Plants of Armenia, highlighting their conservation importance.

The presence of relicts and endemics further underscores the botanical significance of the Azat River basin, with approximately 30 endemics and relics like juniper and pistachio demanding conservation attention. Moreover, the basin serves as a reservoir of wild relatives of fruit crops and valuable cereal species, offering genetic resources crucial for agricultural development. The natural flora also harbors a wealth of economically significant plants, including edible and medicinal species utilized since ancient times by the Armenian people.

Over 90 edible plant species grace the region, enriching Armenian cuisine with their flavors and nutritional benefits, while around 150 medicinal plants continue to play a vital role in traditional healing practices. Additionally, the basin boasts over 200 forage plants, 50 honey-bearing plants, and numerous essential oil-bearing species, further highlighting its ecological and economic importance.

The Azat River valley lies within the floristic region of Yerevan, home to unique endemic species such as Allium schchianae Ogan., Centaurea fajvuschii Gabrielian, Centaurea vavilovii Gabrielian et Takht., Isatis buschiorum Hovh., Allochrusa takhtadjanii Gabrielian et Ditter, Bufonia takhtajanii Nersesian, Euphorbia vedica Chatchat., Astragalus holophyllus Boriss., Acantholimon vedicum Mirzoeva, Pyrus chosrovica Gladcova, Pyrus vsevolodii Heideman, Verbascum gabrielianae (Hub.-Mor.).

Beyond their economic and ecological significance, many plant species hold cultural and ritual importance in Armenian society, contributing to traditional practices and folk medicine. In essence, the Azat River basin emerges not only as a sanctuary of biodiversity, but also as a reservoir of cultural heritage, weaving together the intricate tapestry of nature and human interaction.

The Archaeological Complex of Garni stands as a testament to Armenia's rich historical and cultural journey, embodying its evolution from prehistoric settlements to significant centers within various kingdoms. The Temple of Garni, dedicated to Mithra, the sun god, offers unique insights into pre-Christian religious practices of Armenia. As the only example of a pre-Christian, Greco-Roman colonnaded structure within Armenia and the wider Eurasian region, it holds unparalleled significance. This outstanding example of Hellenistic architecture symbolizes Armenia's cultural interaction with the broader Hellenistic world while showcasing the mixture of local and foreign influences.

The site's bathhouse, with its elaborate mosaic floor depicting episodes from Greek mythology, is a rare and significant feature. Similar examples exist in Georgia, such as those at Dzalisi and Shukhuti, yet Garni’s bathhouse remains the sole such structure in Armenia and is distinctive in its craftsmanship and preservation. These elements further emphasize the complex's exceptional cultural and historical value within the region.

The 'Basalt Organ' columnar joint lava flow is a geological marvel, captivating visitors with its hexagonal prisms formed through millennia of volcanic activity. Beyond its scientific importance, the site's aesthetic allure draws artists and nature enthusiasts, earning international acclaim for its breathtaking beauty.

The ongoing geological activity along the Garni Fault provides a tangible record of the region's complex geological history, with earthquakes leaving visible marks on the landscape and impacting ancient structures. Archaeological and paleoseismological investigations further enhance the site's significance in representing Earth's geological evolution. Additionally, the Azat River basin showcases ongoing ecological processes, fostering unparalleled plant diversity and serving as a reservoir of genetic resources crucial for agricultural development. The basin's diverse flora, including endemic and relict species, reflects the ongoing evolutionary and ecological dynamics shaped by geological and climatic factors. Furthermore, the cultural and economic significance of these plant species in Armenian society underscores the enduring relationship between humans and the botanical diversity of the region.

Criterion (iii): Garni is a living chronicle of Armenia's rich historical and cultural evolution, from its prehistoric roots through the various Armenian kingdoms and into the Christian era. The site bears witness to the continuity and adaptation, illustrated by its transformation from a Bronze Age settlement to a significant center in Urartu (Biainili) and later the Kingdom of Greater Armenia. The temple's dedication to Mithra, the sun god, provides unique insights into pre-Christian religious practices. Despite the Christianization of Armenia in 301 AD, the temple remained intact due to its royal significance, reflecting the intertwined nature of political and religious history. Garni's enduring presence, despite invasions and natural disasters, underscores its exceptional testimony to the resilience and continuity of Armenian cultural traditions.

Criterion (iv): The Temple of Garni is an outstanding example of Hellenistic architecture, uniquely situated within the Armenian cultural context. Constructed in the 1st century AD by King Tiridates I, the temple not only served as a religious site but also as a symbol of the king's authority and the kingdom's connection to the broader Hellenistic world. The temple's preservation and subsequent restoration in the 20th century illustrate the importance placed on maintaining historical and architectural integrity. The surrounding structures, including the royal bathhouse with its exquisite mosaic floors depicting Greek mythological scenes, further exemplify the blending of local and foreign artistic influences. These elements collectively illustrate significant stages in the region's architectural and cultural history, making Garni a quintessential representation of Armenian heritage

Criterion (vii): The 'Basalt Organ' columnar joint lava flow stands out as a remarkable geological phenomenon. It features extensive formations of hexagonal prisms along the Azat River canyon, created through the slow cooling and cracking of lava. This unique geological process has resulted in the formation of columnar joints extending several kilometers, presenting a natural spectacle that captivates visitors and scientists alike. The site's geological formations are not only extensive but also diverse in shape and appearance, contributing to its status as an exceptional natural phenomenon.

Beyond its scientific significance, the 'Basalt Organ' columnar joint lava flow holds immense aesthetic importance. The symmetrical patterns and geometric precision of the columnar joints evoke a sense of artistic harmony, reminiscent of sculpted masterpieces crafted by nature over millennia. The interplay of light and shadow on the rugged surface of the prisms further enhances their aesthetic appeal, creating an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty that is both captivating and sublime. Artists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts are drawn to the site, seeking inspiration from its breathtaking vistas and captivating geological formations.

The 'Basalt Organ' columnar joint lava flow has garnered international acclaim for its exceptional natural beauty and geological significance. It has been studied and admired by geologists, volcanologists, and researchers from around the world, who recognize its importance as a unique geological site.

Criterion (ix): The Azat River basin stands as an exceptional testament to the ongoing ecological and biological processes that have shaped terrestrial ecosystems and communities of plants in the region. This unique geographical area, characterized by its complex geological structure, rugged relief, and vertical zonation, fosters an unparalleled diversity of plant life and supports significant ongoing ecological dynamics. The basin encompasses a wide range of vegetation types, from gypsoid deserts to juniper forests, each representing a distinct ecological niche. This diversity is a result of ongoing ecological processes, including interactions between geological features, climatic conditions, and plant communities. The convergence of two distinct floristic states, the mesophilic Caucasian and the drier Armeno-Iranian, further enriches the botanical richness of the basin. This unique intersection of floristic regions has contributed to the development of a diverse tapestry of plant life, showcasing ongoing evolutionary and ecological processes. The basin is home to approximately 30 endemic and relict plant species, including juniper and pistachio, which are indicative of past geological and climatic events. These species highlight the ongoing evolution and adaptation of plant communities to changing environmental conditions over time.

Beyond its ecological significance, the Azat River basin serves as a vital reservoir of genetic resources crucial for agricultural development. Wild relatives of fruit crops and valuable cereal species found within the basin offer valuable genetic diversity for crop improvement and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Many plant species within the basin hold cultural and economic importance for local communities. Traditional uses of plants in Armenian cuisine, folk medicine, and cultural practices underscore the ongoing relationship between human societies and the botanical diversity of the region.

The Archaeological Complex of Garni and the 'Basalt Organ' Columnar Joint, as a site of Outstanding Universal Value, meets all necessary criteria to express its historical, cultural, and natural significance comprehensively.

The Archaeological Complex, encompassing the Hellenistic temple, royal bathhouse, palace complex, and extensive fortress walls, offers a complete and detailed representation of its historical and cultural heritage. The additional presence of the 'Basalt Organ' enhances this value by contributing unique geological features that reflect the region's natural history. The site encapsulates significant periods in Armenian history, from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period, and showcases exemplary Hellenistic architecture blended with local cultural influences. The integrity of the site's various elements - architectural, archaeological, and natural - ensures a full representation of its Outstanding Universal Value.

The Garni complex spans 10. 5 hectares, a size adequate to encompass all necessary structures and natural formations that illustrate its historical, cultural, and natural functions. This area includes the fortified settlement, the temple precinct, and the 'Basalt Organ' (2.3 hectares) located 900 meters southeast, all of which together represent the site's historical and geological processes effectively. The landscape setting, encompassing basalt canyons and the Azat River canyon, further contributes to a comprehensive portrayal of the site's significance. This spatial dimension allows for a holistic representation of the functions and processes that convey its Outstanding Universal Value, ensuring visitors can fully appreciate the site's complexity and significance.

The Archaeological Complex of Garni has been recognized as historical and cultural heritage since the early 20th century. Over time, it has been entrusted to various state institutions for preservation. By Decision No. 380 of the Council of Ministers of the ASSR (June 14, 1988), it was incorporated into the structure of the Historical and Cultural Monuments Preservation Main Board's "United Management of the Service for the Protection of Historical Environment and Cultural Museum-Reservations," under the Council of Ministers. Later, Decision No. 853 (July 8, 2004) affirmed its status as a branch of the "Service for the Protection of Historical Environment and Cultural Museum-Reservations" SNCO. This designation established a dedicated full-time staff and secured state funding to ensure the preservation and management of the complex. This dual recognition highlights the site's significance as both a cultural and natural treasure.

In 2011, the site was honored with the UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes, acknowledging its exceptional efforts in preserving and showcasing its heritage. Today, Garni continues to attract significant global attention, with an impressive annual visitation of 600,000 to 800,000 tourists, further emphasizing its cultural and economic importance.

Similarly, the 'Basalt Organ' columnar joint is included in the list of natural monuments of Armenia, according to the Government decision N 967-N of 2008, where state protection and control is carried out.

Historical Authenticity

The Archaeological Complex of Garni is authenticated by extensive archaeological excavations and research conducted since the early 20th century. Discoveries such as the Bronze Age remnants, the Hellenistic temple, the royal bathhouse with its exquisite mosaics, and the defensive fortress walls provide incontrovertible evidence of the site's continuous occupation and cultural evolution from prehistoric times through the various Armenian kingdoms.

The historical narrative of Garni is corroborated by primary sources, including the writings of Movses Khorenatsi, Eghishe, Pavstos Buzand, which detail the settlement's founding and its significance throughout Armenian history. The cuneiform inscription of King Argishti I, Greek and Armenian inscriptions, and various medieval documents further validate the site's historical narrative.

The architectural integrity of the Temple of Garni, with its well-preserved Hellenistic design and unique Armenian adaptations, exemplifies authentic construction techniques and artistic expressions from the 1st century CE. The use of local basalt, intricate carvings, and dry masonry techniques are characteristic of the period and region, reinforcing the site's authenticity. The temple's reconstruction was carried out to the highest international standards, following meticulous archaeological investigations. Nearly all of the original stones that had fallen during the devastating earthquake were collected and reused, with only minor missing parts carefully recreated in line with these standards to ensure historical and architectural accuracy.

Natural Authenticity

The 'Basalt Organ' Columnar Joint is a natural wonder formed through well-documented geological processes. The hexagonal basalt columns were created by the slow cooling and cracking of lava flows, a phenomenon authenticated by geological studies and radiometric dating techniques. The composition and structure of the columns are consistent with the geological history of the Gegham volcanic upland.

The site's geological significance is supported by extensive scientific research conducted by both local and international geologists. Studies on the geochemistry, geochronology, and volcanic activity of the region provide a robust scientific basis for understanding the formation and uniqueness of the 'Basalt Organ'. The 40Ar/39Ar dating method has confirmed the age of the Garni lava flows, adding to the authenticity of the natural processes involved.

The diverse flora within the Azat River basin, documented through comprehensive botanical studies, reflects the ongoing ecological processes and biodiversity that are authentic to the region. The presence of endemic and relict species, along with the unique convergence of floristic states, further attests to the natural authenticity of the site.

Cultural Continuity

Garni's continuous historical significance, from its establishment in the Bronze Age through its role in the Armenian Kingdom and beyond, underscores its cultural authenticity. The site's ability to withstand and adapt to various historical events, including invasions and natural disasters, demonstrates the resilience and continuity of Armenian cultural traditions.

The restoration of the Temple of Garni in the 20th century, led by architect Alexander Sahinyan, adhered to strict conservation principles, ensuring that the site's historical and architectural integrity were maintained. The preservation of the temple, bathhouse, and other structures has been carried out with a commitment to authenticity, using original materials and techniques.

Overall, the Archaeological Complex of Garni and the 'Basalt Organ' Columnar Joint retain an exceptional level of authenticity. This authenticity is grounded in comprehensive archaeological and geological research, well-documented historical records, and a clear demonstration of cultural and natural continuity. The site's preservation efforts further ensure that its intrinsic values are safeguarded and accurately represented, affirming its status as a site of Outstanding Universal Value.